People who drive cars as their main form of transport are on average heavier than those who cycle, a new study conducted by the PASTA project says. The EU-funded PASTA project "“led by an international group of experts, including the World Health Organization - is studying how different forms of transport relate to levels of physical activity, and consequently people's health.

PASTA researchers monitored 11,000 volunteers in seven European cities and asked how they move around the city, which mode of transport they use and how much time they spend travelling. The project also asked volunteers to record their height, weight, and to provide information about their attitudes towards walking and bicycling. An analysis of the data shows that those people who drove cars were on average 4 kilograms heavier than those who cycled. Dr Adrian Davis, a UK transport and health expert and member of PASTA's advisory board, said: "People who are physically inactive are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, stroke, heart attacks, as well as becoming overweight.

"Our research shows that factors like urban design, how we move in cities, the use of cars, bikes or walking could play an important role in determining the level of people's daily physical activity. Being more active can make you healthier, save you money and improve your life. Getting your recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day by simply integrating it into your travel routine is time efficient in increasingly busy lives. Instead of going to the gym, for example, think about cycling to work."

For more information, read the press release.Image copyright: Image (Flickr) by "Colville-Andersen", licensed under CC BY 2.0 more   22 August 2016 Bilbao to reduce flood risk by opening Deusto canalBilbao, one of the largest cities in the Basque Country, has seen heavier rainfall, warmer winters and a heightened flood risk as a result of climate change. Bilbao is addressing these risks through participation in the international research project, "˜RESIN "“ Climate Resilience Cities and Infrastructures', in which the city works with researchers to find ways to adapt to climate-related challenges.

Since the 1970s, Zorrotzaurre to the north of Bilbao had been on a continuous social and industrial decline, with only 500 people living on the peninsula at its lowest point. Today, it is the city's biggest regeneration project. This started with the re-designation of land use in the area from "˜industrial' to "˜residential' in 1995. The Zorrotzaurre Master Plan was then drawn up to open the Deusto Canal, making the Zorrotzaurre peninsula into an island. The open canal and green banks will let river water flow through, reducing the water level by one metre and significantly reducing the risk of flooding. Three storm water tanks and a new flood protection wall along both riverbanks are also planned, which will help protect riverside housing.

A study conducted by the RESIN partners from the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) found that as a result of the new waterway the 10-year return period for expected flood events will no longer apply, resulting in a 100 percent reduction in expected costs. For the 100-year return period, the estimated damages will be reduced by €162.72 million. Excavation works are already underway and expected to be completed by spring 2017.

For more information, visit resin-cities.eu. [This article is also available in Spanish.] more

» Publication Date: 23/08/2016

» Source: Iclei Europe

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